From monks to models? Vestments take to the catwalk

It may shock traditionalists but vicars have taken to the catwalk to model the latest fashions in clergy robes.

The modelling ministers are showing off the latest designs at an annual Christian event nicknamed The Ideal Church Show this week.

But some of the outfits, from an electric blue dress for female clergy to a full Easter tableau on the front of a flowing white smock, may shock traditionalists used to a simple dog collar.

Senior Anglican figures are hoping to show that the church is modernising and can attract younger audiences to it.

Seven clergy from churches in the North West will be taking to the 'righteous runway' to exhibit the designs at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Manchester this week.

Called Clergy on the Catwalk it features designers Juliet Hemingray, Hayes and Finch, Cross Designs and J&M Sewing.

The Bishop of Middleton, Rt Rev Mark Davies, said: "It will be interesting to see the variety of clergy robes produced by contemporary designers.

"The church has modernised so much in the past 20 years and what clergy wear reflects that change.

"Gone are the 50 shades of grey and in has come a spectrum of colour and design which can be seen in everything from a Church of England royal wedding to the humblest Christening in one of our smaller churches."

Among those taking part are five male and two female vicars.

One, Rev Taffy Davies of Macclesfield, said: "I have always longed to be a model cleric but I guess I'll just have to settle for being a clerical model."

The CRE event is dubbed 'The Ideal Church Show' because it features ecclesiastical suppliers who provide everything from church lighting to parish computer systems and even coffins.

The two day show is expected to attract around 3,000 visitors.

Full Story:Â More teal vicar? Colourful clergy show off new robes on catwalk